Broad – England strong without KP

Stuart Broad has insisted his England squad will head into the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka full of confidence despite not having Kevin Pietersen in the team. The controversial batsman will be missing from the defending champions’ team following his derogatory texts regarding England players were sent to South African players during the summer’s Test series.

While many believing Pietersen holds the key for England to have any chance of defending the title they won in the Caribbean two years ago, Twenty20 captain Broad has backed England to overcome the loss of the influential batsman.

Alex Hales stepped into Pietersen’s shoes during England’s series against the West Indies in June, smashing a stunning 99 from just 68 balls and proving there is definitely life after KP. Broad has backed the Nottinghamshire opener to prove his credentials once again when England head to Sri Lanka for the World Twenty20 this month.

“The planning started, for these games and the World Cup, from Trent Bridge. KP had made himself unavailable for the World Cup and his replacement came in and got the highest score for an English batsman,” said the Nottinghamshire seamer.

“We’ve got a great squad here and we’re really excited about the next month. We’ve got guys who are hungry and keen to develop their skills, and going to Sri Lanka we’re very excited to do that,” insisted Broad.

Hales may be the next batting superstar to come through, but there can be no denying that England don’t hold anything like the same threat they do when an in-form Kevin Pietersen is in the team.

There will be no KP, though, and England are doing the right thing by not dwelling on the issue. The question will now be just how much chance Broad’s men will have of defending their title with this squad.